Israel embassy in India requests access for police shooting range to train staff

The Israeli embassy in New Delhi has requested access to the Delhi Police shooting range to train its security personnel, The Indian Express reported Saturday, citing senior security officers and unnamed sources.

The security division of Delhi Police received the unprecedented request from the Israeli Embassy in form of a letter on Sept. 23, which was sent to the headquarters for final deliberations.

Although a final decision has not been made yet, sources indicate the request will likely be rejected.

“We are discussing the matter with the senior authorities and as of now, are likely to reject their request. But we are yet to take a final decision,” a senior security official told Indian Express.

Amid growing tensions in the Middle East, security has been increased around the Israeli embassy in New Delhi.

Earlier this month, additional security personnel were deployed around the Israeli embassy, the premises for which already have multi-layered security and several CCTV cameras, The Hindu reported, citing a senior Delhi Police officer.

Since 2021, two explosions have taken place near the Israeli embassy in the capital. No injuries or casualties were reported in either incident.